ArticleInternational journal of colorectal disease2020
Lift and VAAFT for high trans-sphincteric anal fistula: a single center retrospective analysis.
Article in International journal of colorectal disease, 2020. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 12 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
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Who cites it
12 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it, 19 citations in OpenAlex.
- Failure rates and complications of four sphincter-sparing techniques for the treatment of fistula-in-ano: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Techniques in coloproctology · 2025Pooled it
- Efficacy and Safety of Sphincter-Preserving Surgery in the Treatment of Complex Anal Fistula: A Network Meta-Analysis.Frontiers in surgery · 2022Pooled it
- Evidence outside the box: Minimally invasive treatment for anal fistula.World journal of gastrointestinal surgery · 2025Review
- Outcomes of Draining Seton Insertion Followed by Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract Versus Cutting Seton Insertion for Anal Fistula: A 5-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.Middle East journal of digestive diseases · 2025Article
- Endoscopic Identification of a Hidden Internal Opening Using Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT).Cureus · 2025Article
- Is the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedure truly a sphincter preserving procedure for anal fistula? A scoping review of the literature.European journal of medical research · 2025Article
- Mucosal advancement flap versus ligation of the inter-sphincteric fistula tract for management of trans-sphincteric perianal fistulas in the elderly: a retrospective study.International journal of colorectal disease · 2025Observational
- Assessing the suitability of video-assisted anal fistula treatment for obese patients compared to conventional surgery: a question worth investigating.International journal of colorectal disease · 2024Article
- A pilot study on staged surgery by delta video-assisted anal fistula treatment (dVAAFT) for complex anal fistula.Updates in surgery · 2023Article
- Clinical features and independent predictors of postoperative refractory trauma to anal fistula combined with T2DM: A propensity score-matched analysis-retrospective cohort study.Frontiers in surgery · 2023Article
- Construction and Application of Standardized Postoperative Pain-Management Procedure for Patients With Perianal Abscess: A Retrospective Study.Frontiers in surgery · 2022Article
- VAAFT for complex anal fistula: a useful tool, however, cure is unlikely.Techniques in coloproctology · 2021Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
7 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
purposeThe management of complex anal fistulas remains a challenge, mainly due to the considerable risk of incontinence. We compared LIFT and VAAFT in the treatment of complex anal fistulas in terms of healing time, recurrence, continence, morbidity, and postoperative pain, focusing also on patients with local abscess at the time of surgery.
methodsWe include all patients with high trans-sphincteric anal fistula even with abscess at the time of surgery. Anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasound, Cleveland Clinic fecal incontinence score, VAS score, and number of previous fistula treatment were recorded. The clinical examination defined healing, insufficiency or recurrence of the fistula.
resultsFifty-four consecutive patients are undergoing surgery: 26 patients underwent LIFT and 28 underwent VAAFT. During the 18 months of follow-up there were no differences in terms of AM, CCFIS and VAS scores. Days of healing, failure, and recurrence rate were comparable in both groups. The subgroup of patients with local abscess undergoing LIFT showed worse results in terms of failure and recurrence rate (p < 0.05).
conclusionsBoth techniques are safe and effective and can offer long-term benefits. LIFT should not be used as a first treatment in high trans-sphincteric fistula with perianal abscess.
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